In my dream of returning to the Tang Dynasty, I snatched Wu Zetian from my lap.

Li Yuanchang sighed inwardly, feeling helpless, but he wasn't surprised at all.

But what can he say?

On one side was Gao Yang, who had helped him, and on the other was Fang Xuanling's second son.

The blame lies with the arranged marriages and political unions of feudal society, which forced two unsuitable people together, ultimately leading to tragedy.

"Seventh Uncle, do you know?"

"Every time I enter the palace, it's because I don't want to stay at home. Only under the pretext of visiting my father can I leave without any restrictions."

Gao Yang poured out his heart, his clear, youthful eyes revealing a sense of loneliness and sorrow.

Li Yuanchang was very understanding.

Even the most hateful person has a pitiable side; perhaps this historically infamous woman also had her own suffering.

He thought for a moment, then gently comforted her, "Princess, have you ever thought about changing Fang Yi'ai?"

"I have met him a few times. Although he has his shortcomings, he is still young, and there is still time for everything."

Gao Yang sneered upon hearing this.

"Him?"

Just two words conveyed the utmost disdain.

Li Yuanchang felt ashamed.

"If you trust Uncle Qi, Uncle Qi will help you."

Gao Yang hesitated: "What could he become?"

"What kind of husband do you hope your future husband will be like?" Li Yuanchang asked, guiding him carefully like a friend.

This was something Li Shimin should have done, but as an emperor, he had neither the time nor the ability to manage it.

This is actually the reason why many princes and princesses of the Li Tang royal family took their own lives.

Love is the greatest magic in the world, and the most powerful force for change.

Under such subtle probing, Gao Yang finally spoke, looking at Li Yuanchang: "I hope my husband can both wield his pen to govern the world and fight on the battlefield to pacify the four directions."

"A hero like Uncle Seven!"

"I like Uncle Seven."

Li Yuanchang was not surprised. A girl like Gao Yang, with her background, would naturally admire a peerless hero.

But her last words made him feel a little awkward.

"Cough cough."

"No problem, maybe we can give it a try."

"Is it really possible?" Gao Yang looked dejected. She thought of Fang Yi'ai and felt a little dispirited.

"Of course, how will we know if we don't try? Do you remember me in the past? Wasn't I also indulging in excessive hunting and pleasure?"

Gao Yang said, "But back then, Seventh Uncle was excellent at riding and archery, so he had at least one skill."

"Fang Er is just a..."

Li Yuanchang quickly interrupted, "Gaoyang, let me give it a try."

"You can also separate for a while and get to know each other again later."

Gao Yang's eyes lit up immediately when he heard that they could separate.

"Okay..."

Li Yuanchang was both amused and exasperated; this girl really disliked Fang Yi'ai.

"Then you have to promise Uncle Qi one thing."

"What is it?"

Li Yuanchang pondered for a moment, then looked at him and said, "You must behave yourself during this time, fulfill your responsibilities as a woman, be filial to your father-in-law, and go out less and return home early."

He tried to be as subtle as possible; he couldn't just go up to him and say, "You can't be rebellious and cheat on me."

Gao Yang agreed readily, nodding emphatically: "Okay, I promise Seventh Uncle."

"Although I dislike Fang Yi'ai, my father-in-law treats me very well."

"I, Gao Yang, am not an ingrate."

"As for staying out less and returning home early, could Gao Yang go to Uncle Qi's place and play with him?"

"What do you want to play?"

"It's just to relax. I feel a sense of familiarity with Uncle Qi."

Li Yuanchang hesitated, feeling that Gao Yang had taken a liking to him, which was unacceptable.

"Seventh Uncle!!" Gao Yang grabbed his hand and started to act coquettishly.

Li Yuanchang's bones went numb instantly, especially as Princess Gaoyang's soft breasts rubbed against his arm.

"Ahem!"

He quickly moved away, knowing that one should not look at or listen to what is improper.

"Alright, I promise you. The Princess Consort and the others will accompany you. I have official duties to attend to, so I can't guarantee anything."

He finally agreed, thinking that it was better for Gao Yang to play at the Prince of Han's residence than for her to go out and play, be immature, and make an irreparable mistake.

"Okay, thank you, Uncle Seven!" Gao Yang immediately beamed with joy, walking on tiptoe.

Li Yuanchang watched her dance, watched the sunlight shine through her hair, watched her palace dress twirl—this was the essence of a young girl.

There's a reason why older men often prefer younger women.

"..."

After sending Gao Yang back to the Fang residence, Li Yuanchang did not rush to leave. Instead, he paid a visit to Fang Xuanling and spoke frankly about Fang Yi'ai.

"Your Highness, do you mean you want Yi'ai to go to the army for training?"

Li Yuanchang nodded: "The army is undoubtedly the best place to hone a person's character. I know he has been there before, but he's not cut out for it."

"However, this time, I am willing to personally instruct Lord Fang."

Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling's eyes lit up. It was naturally the best thing that Li Yuanchang was willing to personally teach him.

Even considering the current irreconcilable conflict between Li Yuanchang and Changsun Wuji, he didn't hesitate or look back.

"To be valued by the King of Han is naturally a blessing earned through three lifetimes of good deeds."

"But could Your Majesty tell me why you suddenly decided to help Yi'ai?"

Li Yuanchang didn't speak, but glanced in the direction Princess Gaoyang had just left.

Fang Xuanling understood instantly.

But he wasn't unhappy at all; on the contrary, he felt happy.

He cupped his hands in thanks: "This old man thanks Your Highness!"

"Lord Fang, there's no need for such formalities. You are one of the people I respect most, so this favor is nothing."

"However, I must make this clear from the start: when Fang Er goes there this time, I will not give him any special treatment; he will suffer greatly."

"He will live, eat, and train with Cheng Chuliang, Yuchi Baoqi, and the others at Zhechongfu in Lantian County. If Fang Er tries to quit or slack off, he might even be beaten."

"I hope that Lord Fang is mentally prepared and will also grant me such power; otherwise, as the Imperial Son-in-Law and Commander-in-Chief, it will be difficult for me to punish him."

Fang Xuanling knew all too well that without some drastic measures, his son would likely amount to nothing in his life, and his marriage to Princess Gaoyang was merely a formality.

"good!"

He readily agreed, his expression serious: "Your Highness, rest assured, I promise I will not interfere in this matter, and I will also make it clear to Yi'ai that he was just a nobody in the past."

"He wants to come back; the only way is to perform meritorious service and change his ways."

"I won't interfere with him, and he shouldn't even think about using his status to gain special privileges. Your Highness can do whatever you want with him; I won't say a word."

Li Yuanchang nodded, Fang Xuanling was enlightened.

Although Fang Yi'ai's life was tragic, he had a good father and was lucky; otherwise, Li Yuanchang would not have thought of helping him.

"If that's the case, then Master Fang, please get back to your work."

"The King will send someone to fetch him tomorrow." Li Yuanchang was ruthless and cold-blooded. He refused to believe that he couldn't discipline Fang Yi'ai!

Fang Xuanling solemnly cupped his hands in greeting: "Very well!"

He then personally escorted Li Yuanchang out, and then called Fang Yi'ai into the room.